Knot and a method of formation

ABSTRACT

A knot teaching, tying, and developing system that provides a knot tie contiguity that combines knot tie elements in various embodiments. The knot tie contiguity can further include a knot material differentiation element. The knot tie contiguity can further include a hold down that allows the device to be secured for various knotting applications. A kit may comprise a container in which the knot tie contiguity, knotting material, and instructions are placed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a division application of U.S. Pat. Application Ser.No. 09/727,930, filed Nov. 30, 2000, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,412,833, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/168,086, filed Nov. 30, 1999, each hereby incorporated by reference.

Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to a knot teaching,tying, and developing system that allows for attachment and detachmentof a rope, strap, or other knot material(s). Specifically, the inventionprovides a knot tie contiguity for the purpose of teaching anddeveloping knot tying and for practical hardware application(s).

Conventional knot tying systems have been directed toward facilitatingknot tying for a specific purpose, object, or field. Some efforts inthis regard include those disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,676,508;5,261,343; 377,063; 5,230,295; 4,034,443 or 551,836 which includedesigns used for specific purposes, such as lifting or tying down heavyloads. Similarly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 987,407; 456,210; 366,972; 614,621; and332,271 show conventional knot tie devices that are to be used only forspecific objects such as halters or hammocks. Finally, other knot tiedevices disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 585,564; 5,098,137; 5,593,189; and115,826 are used only for specific fields such as fishing or sailing.

Perhaps one of the most significant problems with conventional knottying systems may be that it falls into two conventional categories ofinstruction. Those that have pictures, and those that have pictures withrelated or non-related hardware.

The first category, for example, uses pictures of hardware but does notactually provide the hardware for hands on use by the consumer. This canleave the consumer in a position of foraging on their own to acquiresomething that can simulate the hardware represented in the pictures.Therefore, teaching knot tying from a literature only position can beinadequate. See for example, Ashley C. W., The Ashley Book of Knots,Doubleday, New York (1944); Bigon, M. & Regazzoni, G., The Morrow Guideto Knots, Quill, William Morrow and Company, Inc. New York (1982);Budworth, G., The Complete Book of Knots, The Lyons Press, New York(1997); Budworth, G., The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework,Anness Publishing Limited, New York (1999); Day, C. L., Knots & Splices,International Marine Publishing Company (1989); Lewis, D., Great Knotsand How to Tie Them, Sterling Publishing Company (1998); Macfarlan, A. &P., Knotcraft. The Art of Knot Tying, Bonanza Books, New York (1967);Pawson, D., The Handbook of Knots. A Step-By-Step Guide to Tying andUsing More Than 100 Knots, A D/C Publishing, Inc. (1998); Snyder, P. &A., Nautical Knots and Lines Illustrated, International Marine/RaggedMountain Press (1997); Wheelock, W., Ropes. Knots. & Slings forClimbers, La Siesta Press (1988), each hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

The second category of conventional knot tie devices use pictures with atying aid that may not be representative of the actual hardware the knotwould be tied to in practice. This approach may not provide the consumerwith accurate physical representation of the hardware needed for knottying. As a result, the consumer ends up practicing tying onto obscureunrelated objects, one piece of hardware, or into thin air. This cancreate a stagnated and impractical learning experience as can beunderstood by reviewing Cassidy, J., The Klutz Book of Knots, Klutz(1985); or The Campers Knot Tying, Marco Products (1986), each herebyincorporated by reference herein.

Another significant problem with conventional knot tying systems may bethe failure to provide suitable mounts for hardware, if any, that isprovided. Hardware falls into two distinct categories, mountable andnon-mountable. Some mountable pieces may be: line cleat, rope loop,knob, pole, eyelet, strap loop, and tie down hook. Some non-mountablepieces may be: ring, toggle, fishing hook, tent stake, and open orclosed “S” hook. Conventional mountable hardware may need to beindividually attached to a surface such as a table or bench. This can bedifficult because the hardware must be mounted properly, and mountingthe hardware can damage the mounting surface. Again, once mounted thehardware may not be portable and the consumer should not be expected tocarry additional separate pieces around in case they are needed.

Another significant problem with conventional tying systems can be thatthey may not allow the use of a variety of knot materials. For example,conventional devices may not provide tying features for use with avariety of diameters of knot material. Similarly, conventional devicesmay not provide tying features for use with strap type knot material.

Yet another significant problem with conventional knot tying systems canbe that the various types of hardware are not supplied or supplied asseparate pieces. As such, there can be a difficulty in finding properhardware because many stores simply do not carry the types of hardwarenecessary. This can cause the consumer difficulty in looking for andpurchasing the needed hardware to complete the learning experience. Theconsumer may be unaware of what kind of hardware to acquire since theliterature may not address this issue. Again, once the hardware has beenacquired, the consumer may be unaware of its proper usage or thehardware may be lost or misplaced due to the number of pieces. Also,purchasing the necessary hardware as individual pieces could be at aconsiderable cost to the consumer.

The invention addresses each of the above-mentioned problems in apractical fashion. It also satisfies a long-felt but unresolved need toprovide knot tying hardware in a practical manner. To the extent thatconventional knot tying systems provide only pictures of hardware theperson of ordinary skill in the art was lead away from the solutions ofthis invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the broad object of the invention is to provide a knottying system which provides a knot tie device for use with knot tyingliterature. In doing so, we achieve a goal of providing the consumerwith a visual and physical aid to learn knot tying which may be usedwith literature which may be provided with the invention or withexisting literature on knot tying, such as the above-mentioned knottying references, books, or articles.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a knot tiecontiguity. Thus an aspect of this object can be to provide thefollowing hardware in one integrated design: a line cleat, rope loop,strap loop, knob, eyelet, open/closed “S” hook, tie down hook, ring,toggle, pole, tent stake, and fishing hook. Thus the goal of solving theissue of hardware, as above-mentioned can be accomplished in thismulti-hardware tool.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a knot tiedevice or knot tie body having multiple tying material features so thatthe knotting tool may be used with various types, sizes, or shapes ofknot material(s).

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a knotting toolhaving different types of hold down elements, such as a portablemounting strap or the mounting bracket. This includes the goal ofallowing flexibility in the way the invention may be used by theconsumer.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a knot tiedevice that, either mounted or unmounted, can be portable.

Yet another goal is to provide an economical solution to obtaining thehardware necessary for knot teaching, tying, and developing.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention having twelve knottie elements integrated.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the invention having eleven knot tieelements integrated.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention having ten knot tieelements integrated.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention having ten knot tieelements integrated.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention having eleven knot tieelements integrated.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention having a representative knottie device hold down.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention having a different type ofrepresentative knot tie device hold down.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention having a spring gate, twopiece pulley wheel, and a lanyard.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention having a hold down thatoperates to secured the invention to a person's leg, or a log, or otherobject with a mounting strap.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention having a representativeknot tie device hold down.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention having a representativeknot tie device hold down.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention having with an alternateknot tie device hold down.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the invention having an alternate knottie device hold down.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the invention having an alternate knottie device hold down.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the invention having an alternate knottie device hold down.

FIG. 16 shows a cross section of the embodiment of the invention withthe alternate knot tie device hold shown by FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the invention having a multiple knotmaterial differentiation element to tie multiple sizes of ropes goingthrough the eyelets.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the invention being used for a particularknot tying application.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the invention being used to tie the“Lusk” knot.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the invention being used with a strapthrough the strap loop and a rope around the fishing hook section.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of the invention as a kit including a rope,a portable strap mount, a mounting bracket, screws, and an instructionbooklet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Knot tie devices and methods to use such knot tie devices, including thedevelopment and tying of knots, which can be used in numerousapplications, including, but not limited to, teaching and hardwareapplications.

In discussing these aspects of the invention some references may be madeto various types of knot tie elements such as: a line cleat, a ropeloop, a strap loop, a knob, an eyelet, an open/closed “S” hook, a tiedown hook, a ring, a toggle, a pole, a tent stake, and a fishing hook.Representations of these types of knot tie elements are also shown aselements in the figures. These representations of knot tie elements areunderstood to encompass the wide variety of hardware of the general typedescribed or represented and is not intended to limit the invention toany particular model or specific type. For example, the representationof the fish hook (13) in FIG. 1 is intended to be representative ofhardware having this general shape, it is not intended to limit theinvention to the fish hook shown, or a fish hook having any particularsize, weight, barb, eyelet, or the like.

Now referring to FIGS. 1-7, a knot tie device can comprise theintegration of multiple types of knot tie elements, such as those shown,into a knot tie contiguity (1). As can be understood from FIGS. 1-7, theseparate types of knot tie elements (5)-(16) can be integrated into thevarious embodiments of the knot tie contiguity. For example, twelvetypes of knot tie elements are integrated in the embodiment of theinvention shown by FIG. 1, eleven types of knot tie elements areintegrated in the embodiment of the invention shown by FIG. 2, while tentypes of knot tie elements are integrated in the embodiment of theinvention shown by FIGS. 3, 4, or 5. Naturally, other embodiments of theinvention can integrate more or fewer knot tie elements. For example, inFIG. 8, the embodiment of the invention further comprises knot tieelements representing a spring gate, a two piece pulley wheel, and alanyard, which could be included individually or in combination with theknot tie elements shown in FIGS. 1-7. Common to each embodiment of theinvention can be that the knot tie contiguity allows an individual touse each of the knot tie elements to teach, develop, or tie knots eventhough each knot tie element is integrated with the other knot tieelements into the knot tie contiguity. Note that FIGS. 1-7, arerepresentative in general of the types of embodiments of the inventionwhich can be made and maintain the functionality of the separate knottie elements even though they are integrated into a single knot tiecontiguity. As such, it can be understood that numerous embodiments ofthe invention, and specifically knot tie contiguities, are possible butnot shown by the various figures.

Specifically, the knot tie contiguity (1) can include, in variouscombinations, a line cleat (5) of an appropriate size for learning orfunctional use, such as shown in use by FIG. 18. The knob (6) may beused for practicing tying knots for bottle necks and other similarobjects, as shown by FIG. 19. The large, medium, and small eyelet's (7)as shown in use by FIG. 17 can be used with many different sized knotmaterials. This gives the user the added dimension of learning to tiewith various sized ropes, for example. The rope loop (8) and ring (9)are represented in the circular area as shown being used in FIGS. 18 and19 and can be of an appropriate size to use in practical application.The strap loop (10) shown being used by FIG. 20 provides the knot tiecontiguity (1) with another added dimension of learning to tie knotswith a strap and not only a rope. The “S” hook function is physicallyrepresentative of an open/closed “S” hook (12) as shown being used byFIG. 18 can be of an appropriate size for practical application. Thefishing hook (13) can be used as shown by FIG. 20 (the ring and bottompart of the tool). The tie down hook (11) as shown in use by FIG. 18 canbe of an appropriate size to use in practical application or forlearning. The toggle (14), pole (15), and tent stake (16) function(s)can be fulfilled in the straight open section as shown by FIG. 18. Thisopen end allows the consumer to practice knots that could be tied arounda pole or tent stake as well as provide them with a functional toggle.FIGS. 2 through 8 show several alternate knot tie contiguity (1)designs. It should be understood from the above discussion that not allknot tie devices include a knot tie contiguity but rather can simplyemploy a knot tie body that does not include knot tie elements joined ina manner that comprises a knot tie contiguity as discussed above.

One example o f how to tie onto the ring section (9) of the knot tiecontiguity (1) as seen in FIG. 19 would be the following: begin byplacing the stand part (31) of the knot material (26), such as a rope,in the left hand and the work end (30) in the right hand. Pass the workend (30) of the rope (26) through the ring (9) from left to right. Takethe work end (30) underneath the stand part (31) forming an underhandloop from right to left (the cross-under is the area where the ropescross). Pinch this area with your left hand, using your thumb andpointing finger. Place the middle finger of the left hand next to thecross-under on the open side, not the loop (32) side. Loosely wrap thework end (30) around the middle finger and then crossover the stand part(31) from left to right. This forms a half-loop (33) 180 degrees forminga slight arc in the rope from the cross-under to the crossover point.Feed the work end (30) upwards in between the pinched point and themiddle finger from right to left. Feed the work end (30) through theunderhand loop made earlier around the ring (9) from left to right andfrom top to bottom. Feed the work end (30) by crossing under thehalf-loop (33), see FIG. 19, on the stand part (31) from right to left.(Be sure the work end (30) only goes under the stand part). Then pullthe work end (30) while letting go with the left hand. The final step isto adjust the knot tightly against the stand part (31).

The knot tie contiguity (1) can further comprise a knot tie contiguityhold down (2) which can be embodied as a portable mounting strap (2) asshown by FIG. 9, or as a mounting bracket (4) as shown by FIGS. 10, 11,12, 14, or 15, as examples. This results in three ways to mount and usethe knot tie contiguity (1). First, the knot tie contiguity (1) can bemounted with the strap (2) as shown in FIG. 9 to a person's leg or alog. This application can work best when the knotting tool is used forteaching/learning purposes. Second, the knot tie contiguity (1) may bemounted with the bracket (4) and screws (17) as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11.This allows the knot tie contiguity to be attached, for example, to afelled tree or another secure surface such as a workbench. Thisapplication highlights the uses of the eyelet (7), strap loop (10), ropeloop (8), line cleat (5), tie down hook (11), tent stake (16), pole(15), knob (6), fishing hook (13), since this hardware may be used mostefficiently when mounted/secured. Third, the knot tie contiguity (1) maybe used alone as seen in FIG. 18. This application highlights the use ofthe open/closed “S” hook (12), ring (9), and toggle (14) since thishardware is used most efficiently when unmounted. These three optionsprovide flexibility to the user by allowing them to choose the level ofstability needed. FIGS. 12 through 16 show alternate hold down designsthat may be used with the preferred integrated design or with thealternate integrated designs. Again, these hold down designs show thatthere are numerous ways to mount the knot tie contiguity (1) and it isunderstood that the hold down is not limited to the types represented bythe Figures. Naturally, the hold down embodiments can be used with amore conventional knot tie body or device.

Other embodiments of the invention, as exemplified by FIG. 17, or knottie body, can further comprise a knot material differentiation element.The knot material differentiation element comprises a hardware elementsuch as a ring (9) to be repeated within the configuration of the knottie contiguity (1), or knot tie body, so that different types ofknotting material can be used. In the example provided by FIG. 17, theknot tie contiguity (1) includes various diameters of ring (9) to beincorporated into the embodiment of the invention. As such, variousdiameters of knot material can be used with the knot tie contiguity (1)so that the user can learn or develop knots using these variousdiameters of knot material, or use these various diameters of knotmaterial when using the knot tie device in a hardware application.

It should be understood that, the knot tie contiguity (1) can be madefrom various materials with varying strengths to accomplish differenttasks or functions. A strong material such as metal, ceramic, or shatterproof plastic could be used for the knot tie contiguity (1) when it isto be used for practical application purposes. It may be made out of aless strong material when it is to be used for teaching purposes, suchas plastic, wood, or the like. The mounting bracket (4), such as theembodiments shown by FIGS. 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 may be madeout of a different material than the knot tie contiguity (1), such asplastic. The flexibility and availability in choosing materials tomanufacture the knot tie contiguity (1), along with its different holddown designs, may increase the chances that it will appeal to manycustomers.

One example of a process to make the knot tie contiguity (1) andmounting bracket (4) invention could be plastic injection molding.Accomplished using an injection molding machine, the first step in thisprocess can be to start with a professional drawing of the object. Thisdrawing can be drawn with a variety of software currently on the marketthat fits into the category of computer aided design/drafting. Anaccurate drawing is necessary to visually communicate everything aboutthe knot tie device such as overall dimensions, tolerances, draftangles, types of materials, filleted edges, and any other necessary dataabout the object.

These professional drawings are given to a machinist that will machine acold-runner two plate mold. Each plate mold represents one half of theknot tie device being injected molded. It can be molded this way becauseinjection molded parts tend to stick in their molds and by designingmolds that split down the center, which creates a parting line of theobject, it is easier to remove. One side of the mold has ejector pinsdesigned into it to aid in the ejection of the object from the mold. Theother side has cooling tubes and fittings to water cool the mold. Thecenter has a mold access hole designed into it for the melted plastic toenter the mold. Both sides of the plate molds have threaded mountingholes that allow them to be secured by bolts to the Injection Moldingmachine. The next step is to bring the two molds together which aremounted about two feet apart by the machines hydraulic press. The hopperis loaded with a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene, thatcomes in a powder or a pellet form. The hopper feeds into a cylindricalbarrel that has a large screw that rotates and reciprocates. Thecylinder is heated and a measured volume of liquid plastic is theninjected into the molds cavity via the mold entrance. This plastic isheld under extreme pressures for one to two minutes while it cools downin the mold. After this time frame expires, the hydraulic press opensand the molded object sticks to the mold half with the ejector pins.These pins are pushed by the hydraulic ram that is operated by ahydraulic system forcing the molded object out of the mold and the partfalls in a bin. The process is then repeated automatically. Anotherprocess whereby these objects can be made is Metal Injection Molding(MIM) which is similar to Plastic Injection Molding. Various metals andalloys can be used with MIM technology.

Another example of a method of manufacturing the knot tie contiguity (1)and mounting bracket (4) would be CNC machining. A detailed drawing ofthe intended product is needed first to determine whether the product isfeasible for fabrication. This drawing should contain all of thenecessary dimensions, tolerances, material type(s) and views needed toconvey the intention of the product. Once determined that the unit canbe fabricated the information is then inputted off the actual drawinginto the computer. In this example, CNC Software Inc., CAD/CAM software,and Mastercam version 7.1 can be used to draw the object via the printprovided. The size of the stock is then determined and the geometry iscentered within these boundaries. The object is then toolpathed and allof the required parameters are set for the computer to calculate theexact location of every line and arc (this includes the type of tool,size of tool, direction tool is to run, depth of cut, speed the toolneeds to travel, etc.). After the parameters have been set, the actualtoolpath is shown on the screen and is run to determine whether thistoolpath should be accepted or declined. The program is then processedby the computer to write the appropriate G-codes for the Centroidsoftware to understand. Once this code is written it is sent viacomputer network to the hard-drive of the machine. The Centroid softwareis used by the Magnum CAD/CAM router which is a computer-aidedmanufacturing machine that has a 4′×8′ table top with vacuum hold-downs.A Porter Cable plunge router is set atop a movable gantry that can movein the x, y, and z directions (axis). This allows for the manufacturingof almost any two dimension shape. The machine operator retrieves theprogram from the hard drive and ensures that the right size bit isinstalled in the machine and the correct type of material is used. Theoperator then sets the tool planes of x, y, and z to the limitationslisted in the program. Once all the preparations are made the operatorstarts the machine and the program runs in its entirety according to theG-codes that have been written for it by Mastercam. The machined part isthen moved to the next process whereby it is deburred by a radius tablerouter to ensure that there is no sharp edges or burrs left by themachining process.

The portable mounting strap (2) can be made by taking one inch widestrapping and cutting it to the desired length. Take a buckle (3) andloop the strap (2) around the area for securing a strap and sew it withindustrial strength thread.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involvesknot tying techniques, and specifically the Lusk knot, as well as knottie devices to accomplish the appropriate knot tying techniques. In thisapplication, the knot tying techniques are disclosed as part of theresults shown to be achieved by the various knot tie devices describedand as steps which are inherent to their utilization. They are simplythe natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described.In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understoodthat these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied ina number of ways (as examples, representative embodiments are shown inthe figures but are not intended to be inclusive of all the possibleembodiments of the invention). Importantly, as to all of the foregoing,all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by thisdisclosure.

The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as abasic description. The reader should be aware that the specificdiscussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; manyalternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the genericnature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature orelement can actually be representative of a broader function or of agreat variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these areimplicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is describedin functionally-oriented terminology, each aspect of the function isaccomplished by a device. Apparatus claims may not only be included forthe devices described, but also method or process claims may be includedto address the functions the invention and each element performs.Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit thescope of the claims.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims mayalso be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should beunderstood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of anyapparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely avariation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understoodthat as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the wordsfor each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms ormethod terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Suchequivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered tobe encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such termscan be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broadcoverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, itshould be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means fortaking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly,each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass adisclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates.Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a“knot” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of“knotting”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, werethere only disclosure of the act of “knotting”, such a disclosure shouldbe understood to encompass disclosure of a “knot” and even a means for“knotting”. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood tobe explicitly included in the description.

Additionally, the various combinations and permutations of all elementsor applications can be created and presented. All can be done tooptimize the design or performance in a specific application.

Any acts of law, statutes, regulations, or rules mentioned in thisapplication for patent: or patents, publications, or other referencesmentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated byreference. Specifically, U.S. Pat. Application No. 60/168,086 is herebyincorporated by reference herein including any figures or attachments,and each of the references in the following table of references arehereby incorporated by reference.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood asincorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, andsynonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's UnabridgedDictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference.However, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information orstatements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistentwith the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements areexpressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

In addition, unless the context requires otherwise, it should beunderstood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or“comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element orstep or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any otherelement or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should beinterpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicantthe broadest coverage legally permissible in countries such as Australiaand the like.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the embodiments of the knot tying system as herein disclosed anddescribed, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii)similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of thesedevices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish eachof the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) thosealternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functionsshown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed anddescribed, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate andindependent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the varioussystems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products producedby such systems or components, and ix) methods and apparatusessubstantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of theaccompanying examples, and x) the various combinations and permutationsof each of the elements disclosed.

We claim:
 1. A knot, comprising: a. a length of knot material having aworking end and a standing part, wherein a first loop element is definedby a cross-under area between the working end surface and the standingpart surface of the length of knot material made responsive to oneanother; b. a second loop element defined by a 180 degree arc formedfrom the cross-under area to a cross-over point of the first loopelement; and c. a third loop element responsive to the first loopelement and the second loop element, wherein the third loop element isdefined by a first interpenetration of the second loop element and asubsequent interpenetration of the first loop element and a subsequentsecond interpenetration of the second loop element above the firstinterpenetration with the working end of the length of knot material. 2.A method of producing a knot, comprising the steps of: a) providing alength of knot material having a standing part and a working part; b)holding the standing part in one hand and the working part in oppositehand; c) passing the working end of the knot material underneath thestanding part from right to left thereby forming an underhand loopwherein a cross-under area is formed where both parts of the knotmaterial cross; d) pinching the cross-under area with the one hand byusing a thumb and a pointing finger; e) placing middle finger of the onehand next to the cross-under area on an open side of the underhand loop;f) wrapping the working end around the middle finger and crossing overthe standing part from left to right thereby forming a half-loop whereinan arc of 180 degrees is formed from the cross-under area to thecross-over point; g) feeding the working end between the pinched pointand the middle finger from right to left thereby forming a firstinterpenetration and through the underhand loop from left to right andfrom top to bottom forming a second interpenetration; h) feeding theworking end by crossing under the half-loop and above the firstinterpenetration on the stand part from right to left; i) pulling theworking end while letting go of the standing part with the other hand;and j) adjusting the knot tightly against the standing part.